Once again, Xenophon was the beneficiary of another hard-working and dedicated Eagle Scout. Robbie Tenant did his Eagle Scout project with us by sprucing up and installing 2 new stations on the sensory trail. Xenophon’s sensory trail is an integral part of the riding lesson program. The trail provides students the opportunity to get outside in nature. It provides the experience of going up and down hill, which uses different muscle groups. Throughout the trail there are interactive stations where the children can stop their horses and play games. A highlight of lessons is a trip around the “magic” tree at the end of the trail.

Robbie organized and supervised a number of other scouts while they spread yards of bark, and re-hung our noodle forest. The most fantastic piece was a new beautifully painted board with different shapes through which the children can stop and throw bean bags. Also to be added is a station with a barn and many doors that can be opened using different types of latches, developing dexterity and fine motor skills. These two new stations will be of huge value to our trail.

Thank you, Robbie, for all your hard work. Our sensory trail is will be the envy of our industry.

Insurance companies and other funders do not usually pay for therapies such as those provided by Xenophon. While therapeutic riding and hippotherapy have been around for a significant period of time, formal research projects documenting the functional benefits provided by these therapies have been slow in happening. Thankfully, that is changing and scientific research in this industry is on the rise. However, challenges still exist. Most assessment tools implemented in riding studies are based on clinical scales that are subject to observer bias and look at too broad an array of deficits. Xenophon’s physical therapist, Tineke Jacobsen, along with Dr. Mary Jones, a pediatrician from UCSF Benioff’s Children’s Hospital Oakland, and Xenophon volunteer, Diane Morabito, embarked on a research project designed to measure the effect of hippotherapy on postural control in a child with neuromuscular dysfunction as a result of Rett Syndrome. Their goal was to explore clinical and objective measures that might show defined progress.

The study was conducted in two parts, the first in the fall of 2013, with the second trial being run in June of 2014. It looked specifically at postural control. Tineke designed a hippotherapy protocol with a clearly designed scale for rating the participants responses. Measurements were taken using an iSway device, which is essentially a signal processor that measures a lot of variables that characterize sway. In addition to measurements taken by the iSway device, measurements were taken pre-trial, mid-trial and end-trial at the Children’s Hospital’s Motion Analysis Lab in Walnut Creek. All three measures showed a trend toward improvement.

This research project has now received national attention. Dr. Mary Jones presented the findings at the national 2016 Rett Syndrome Symposium in Chicago on June 22, 2016, with over 300 medical professionals in attendance. The findings were well received. While this study was done using only one child, the findings offer exciting potential for further studies using larger subject groups as well as demonstrating that objective data collection is possible in the hippotherapy field. Xenophon is proud to be playing a role in providing data that clearly defines the benefits of our valuable therapies.

One again, an Eagle Scout project provided a huge benefit to Xenophon. Zachary Peterson took on the task of building a new shade structure in one of our horse paddocks. The much needed structure was put up just in time for Starlight to benefit from it in the 90 degree heat wave that hit Orinda. Eagle Scout projects demand a great deal of time and attention. It is as much about the process as it is about the project. The scout must complete a detailed proposal, including what the project is, how many man-hours are required, what materials will be needed, what expertise is needed, as well as a detailed cost analysis. Often these projects include fundraising to cover material costs. Developing planning and leadership skills are a fundamental part of the Eagle Scout process. We were fortunate to have Zachary complete his Eagle Scout project at Xenophon. Thank you for a job well done. Thank you, also, to the Peterson family who donated the materials.

Recently, an incident happened at our center, in which an individual sent an extremely hateful and racist email to one of our staff members. Thankfully, the decision had already been made to remove this volunteer from the program. However, the Xenophon Board of Directors and myself feel strongly enough about this incident to make this statement. One of the amazing virtues of our center is that all are welcome and accepted under our roof. It matters not if you can walk, whether you can speak, what color your skin is, nor your religion. This value of respect and acceptance is one we hold dear and we will not tolerate hate or disrespect. Our apologies go out to our staff member who was subjected to this intolerable disrespect, as well as our love and support. We value each and every volunteer, donor, family member and participant as members of the Xenophon family.

Mari Parino, Executive Director
Mark Caron, President
Trudy Presser, Vice President
Judy Lazarus, Treasurer
Jean Johnstone, Secretary
Leslie DeBoer
Bryan Goldwyn
Steve Siljestrom
Ann Welch

Xenophon has been the fortunate beneficiary of numerous Eagle Scout projects. From mounting ramps, to sensory trail station, to compost bins, major projects have been completed that would have been challenging for us to complete. These industrious young men organize their projects, purchase supplies, as well as enlist the help of other scouts. They are hard working and dedicated. Zachary Peterson is no exception to this rule. Zach recently completed his project at Xenophon by taking on the huge task of building a shade structure in one of our paddocks. The structure is sturdy, and greatly appreciated by Starlight, who can now get out of the direct sun. Thank you, Zach, for your hard work and wonderful contribution to our center.

Xenophon instructors and staff gathered together on April 30th at the center for a First Aid and CPR review as well as hands on AED training workshop led by retired fire fighter paramedics and hors

e women, Cathy S tralovich and Dena Stephens.

Several hours were spent reviewing specific medical/injury scenarios that could occur at Xenophon dur ing lessons or anywhere else where horses and riders are present.  Instructors shared personal experiences and learned how to handle each situation for the best outcome possible.  A special thank you to Cathy and Dena for sharing their time and expertise!

Following this workshop, Tineke Jacobsen, our on staff Physical Therapist, reviewed safe holds for side walkers to use during lessons, vaulting positions and how to move riders around the horse so that it is comfortable for the rider as well as the horses back.  Thank you Tineke for providing us with this valuable information and thank you to our volunteer Emiley, who was our demo student!